The Kalusugan ay Karapatan series being produced and broadcast by TVUP imparts vital information on health issues. Ongoing is production and streaming of episodes on COVID-19-related topics hosted by UPM Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla. Episode 3 in this series tackled the topic, “Continuing Care for the Non-COVID Patients” with Dr. Lorna Abad, PGH Dept of Pediatrics Chair and Dr. John Anonuevo, PGH Dept of Internal Medicine Chair as resource persons.
Dr. Padilla introduced the program by saying that the pandemic has focused attention on treating the COVID-19 patients and that the growing number of cases each day has left our health system overburdened and unable to operate effectively to deal with both infectious and noncommunicable illnesses which are still persistent health problems, in addition to preventive medicine and well child care.
Dr. Anonuevo identified ischemic heart diseases, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, gastrointestinal bleeding, and those needing hemodialysis as the cases that PGH continues to manage even after becoming COVID-19 referral center. For pediatrics, Dr. Abad listed cancer, bleeding due to liver diseases, epilepsy, severe dehydration due to gastroenteritis, and problematic newborns as the urgent cases that the Department takes care of at this time.
Challenges
The two speakers mentioned similar challenges faced by the non-COVID patients and doctors during this time of the “new normal”. Patients’ fear of going to the hospital is a big challenge. Even if severely sick, patients hesitated to go to the hospital for fear of getting the COVID-19.
For the doctors, Dr. Anonuevo described the difficulty in examining patients because of the need for personal protective equipment. The doctor has to be meticulous so as not to potentially infect himself or the patient. Adult and pediatric consultations now would be on strictly by appointment scheduling and use of telemedicine is emphasized.
Asking toddlers to wear mask is difficult and this situation exposes healthcare workers (HCWs) to the risk of infection as children may have non-specific symptoms of the virus.
Another challenge during this pandemic is the emotional toll on HCW. Some do not want to go home to their families for fear of exposing their loved ones to the virus.
Staying healthy
No matter how old the patient is, to have a good fighting chance against the coronavirus, staying healthy is the key. The doctors’ advice can be summarized as: good nutrition, exercise, enough sleep (7-9 hours), and healthy mental state.
For children— eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and high protein food such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk for babies; take vitamins especially Vitamin C and zinc; have at least 8 hours of sleep daily; and exercise. Avoid processed and junk food. The older children and teenagers should limit use of gadgets and engage in more fruitful activities inside the home.
In addition, Dr. Anonuevo urged patients to avoid depression by staying connected with family and reducing exposure to anxiety-provoking news and replacing this with productive activities. Dr. Abad lamented the increased number of cases of violence at the PGH Child Protection Unit which was probably caused by build-up of tension and anxiety in the family. There are help lines available for the public; and for HCW, she cited the Department’s I CARE program where mentors look after their mentees. She stressed that it is not only patients who need mental health assistance but also the HCWs.
They also stated the importance of taking maintenance medicines regularly for existing illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes; and having the indicated vaccinations. Dr. Abad emphasized the importance of complying with the child’s regular immunization schedule to avoid infection and increase resistance. Dr. Anonuevo explained that the regular flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, but should be given to 65 year olds and above or those with illnesses like diabetes provided there are no contraindications.
Advice to the general public
Dr. Anonuevo reiterated the importance of physical distancing, use of masks, and proper handwashing; and keeping oneself healthy with good food, enough sleep, and regular exercise. Next he admonished everyone to seek consult via the UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! Hotline 155-200 for any complaints or go to the emergency room if symptoms are severe.
Dr. Abad added to the basic health advice above, admonitions such as: avoiding hugs and kisses to children by adults and isolating our elderlies, limiting the use of gadgets to two hours and engaging in other productive activities like reading and drawing, and complying with their immunization schedules. Lastly, both doctors reemphasized the basic strategies to maintain mental health in these stressful times.
Cynthia Villamor | Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 8
